Category Archives: Irish church history

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St. Davnet: the Lily of Fire; Irish Virgin & Martyr -14th June

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The story of St. Davnet (Damhnait), known as Dympna in the anglicised world, goes back to the 6th & 7th century. Davnet is the patron saint of mentally ill patients. There are accounts of the Irish saint from a 13th century opus called ”Life of the Saint”, written by Pierre, a canon of St Aubert at Cambrai in France near the Belgium border. Piere recounts a tradition where St. Davnet, had been venerated at a church dedicated to her in Gheel, Belgium. Piere drew this biography from oral tradition.

Davnet was the daughter of a petty Irish pagan Irish king of the ancient Oriel Kingdom. By petty, we mean that this ”king” was subject to another King. Davnet’s mother, herself a woman from nobility, was a devout Christian. She was remarkable both for her piety and great beauty. She lavished on Davnet, every affection and attention from birth. The young princess resembled the great beauty of her mother. Heaven favoured Davnet with special graces. She was secretly baptised by St. Gerebernus, a priest who would become her confessor. When still very young Davnet, chose Jesus to be her Lord & Saviour, and took him as her Divine Spouse, consecrating her virginity to Him and to His Blessed Mother by a vow of perpetual chastity.

As a noble family in the ancient kingdom of Oriel, they lead their lives in a state of tranquillity and peace. However, when Davnet’s mother passed away, the petty king was inconsolable. His courtiers advised him to find a new wife, as a remedy for his broken heart. The king agreed… only on condition that the courtiers could find him a match, in the exact image of his late wife.  The only choice left to the courtiers then was his own daughter Davnet… The petty father and king went with that idea.

Naturally the young princess became distraught that her own father, would seriously consider taking her hand in marriage. She immediately looked for the good council of her confessor & priest Fr. Gerebernus. He advised her to flee from Ireland, as it was a grave matter; poor Davnet could not delay. With all haste, she set out to head for continental Europe, accompanied by her confessor, as well as the court jester with his wife. Fr. Gerebernus had religious friends on the continent and they would provide a refuge for Davnet. Once they implemented the plan and fled, their lives were in grave risk. There could be no turning back.

Their first day’s journey brought them across Slieve Beagh to what became known as Cooldavnet, (Davnet’s corner) in Co. Monaghan. They rested themselves here, drinking from the fresh bog water of a small well. They travelled onto and stayed in what became known as Tydavnet (Davnet’s house). They then travelled onwards to Lavey in Cavan , before heading for Achill. From the coast of Achill, they crossed the sea to Antwerp. Arriving on the continent, they finally set for Gheel in Northern Belgium, not far from Brussels. Here Fr. Gerebernus had religious friends at the chapel of St. Martin.

The petty Irish king discovered Dymphna’s flight from Ireland, and immediately set out with his followers in search of her possible whereabouts. They eventually came to know Davnet’s whereabouts in Belgium, thanks to the help of identification an Irish money trail that they found in the hands of many of the poor peasants starting from Antwerp. To Davnet’s surprise, her insane father finally arrived at St. Martin’s chapel in Gheel. He tried to persuade his daughter to return with him and be his wife, but Fr. Gerebernus sternly rebuked him for his perverse intentions. The Irish king was stubborn however and gave orders that the priest should be put to death. The king’s wicked retainers executed the order, laying violent hands upon the priest and striking him on the neck with a sword. With one blow, Fr. Gerebernus’ head was cut off from the shoulders. Thus he became a glorious martyr for Christ on the day of 15th of May.

Further attempts by the petty king, to induce the Irish princess to return to Ireland proved futile. With undaunted courage, Davnet spurned his enticing promises and scorned his cruel threats. Such promised and threats persisted for some weeks, to no avail. Infuriated by her resistance, her own father drew a dagger and struck off the his young daughter’s head. The holy virgin fell at the feet of her insane father. Thus she earned the glorious crown of martyrdom at the age of fifteen, in the early half of the 7th century. Public witnesses to the execution became instantly cured from mental illnesses of the mind and for this reason, St. Davnet became the patron saint of those suffering from Mental illness.

The corpses of St. Davnet and St. Gerebernus were put in sarcophagi in a cave until they were later rediscoverd. The body of St. Davnet was translated and buried in the church of Gheel, and the bones of St. Gerebernus were translated elsewhere. From the tombs of these two Holy Martyrs, miracles and cures began to occur in continually increasing numbers. Gradually St. Davnet’s fame as patroness of victims of nervous diseases and mental disorders became widespread from country to country. More and more mentally afflicted persons were brought to the tomb in Gheel by relatives and friends, as well as pilgrims from far off places. Novenas were had, and St. Davnet’s relic was applied to the patients. The remarkable cures reported caused confidence in the saint to grow daily.

Psychiatrists have since stated that psychiatric institutions can help patients with certain mental cases, only to a certain extent. But when that point of help is reached, patients need to have recourse from a source outside the institution if any further progress is to be made. The shrine to St. Davnet in Gheel is the living confirmation of this statement.

St. Davnet is celebrated in the Irish Liturgical Calender on the 14th June

NB* This article on St. Davnet has been peppered with information from a previous article which appeared from Tabernacle and Purgatory, published by Benedictine Convent Sisters, Clyde, Mo., May, 1946.

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St. Colum Cille; the dove of Iona – 9th June

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St. Colum Cille is one of the three Patron Saints of Ireland. He was born at Garten, Donegal in Ulster, 7th December, 521. Colum Cille was from the noble O’Donnell Clan. His father was Fedhlimdh (Irish for Phillip) and his mother was Eithne, of Leinster nobility. Fedhlimdh’s father was Felimy, whose grandfather was great King Niall, who was dubbed Niall of the Nine Hostages. King Niall kidnapped St. Patrick along with his sisters Lupita and Dererca and a host of other victims from Armoric Britain. Colm Cille’s baptismal name was Chiomhthainn (Chriffin) but he became known as Colum, which signifies a dove. His name was further adjusted becoming Colum-cille, meaning “dove of the Church”.

When he attained a foundational level of education, he entered St. Finnian’s monastary of Movilla in Co. Down. Finnian had once upon a time studied under St. Colman of Dromore. At Movilla, Colum Cille’s sanctity began to manifest itself by miracles, and he also received his ordination to diaconate. Traditions attests through the writings of St. Eunan, (Adamnan) that by Colum Cille’s prayers, he converted water into wine, for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (Adam., II, i). St. Columba was also tall and dignified. St. Eunan further says: “He was angelic in appearance, graceful in speech, holy in work” (Praef., II). His voice was strong, sweet, and sonorous capable at times of being heard at a great distance.

From Movilla, Colum Cille travelled southwards into Leinster, and he became a pupil of an aged bard named Gemman for a while. He later entered the monastery of Finnian of Clonard, and became one those twelve Clonard disciples. These twelve subsequently became known as the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. It was around this time, he was ordained a priest by Bishop Etchen of Clonfad. Colum Cille founded several important monasteries, including at places like Derry, and Durrow.

Colum Cille travelled to Tours in France. There he managed to get a relic of those gospels that had lain on the bosom of St. Martin for a one hundred years. Tradition says this relic was deposited in Derry (Skene, Celtic Scotland, II, 483).

Colum Cille left Ireland for Iona in Scotland in 563 in his forty-fourth year. He took with him twelve companions, on a mission, crossing the Irish sea in a currach. The twelve took to land at Iona on the eve of Pentecost, 12 May, 563. Iona island, according to Irish sources, was granted to Colum Cille by King Conall of Dalriada, who was his kinsman. St. Bede however, an English monk, attributes the gift of the island by the Picts (Fowler, p. lxv). These diverse explanations offer expediency; an way to appease Colum Cille’s  kinsmen of Dalriada and the Picts of Caledonia.

From Iona, St. Comgall, St. Canice, and St. Colum Cille travelled up to the highlands of Scotland. There, they would seek to visit King Brude at his royal residence near Inverness. However, admittance was denied to the missionaries, and the doors were all shut up, and the gates shut off. To gain entrance, they made the sign of the cross at the gates, and suddenly the bolts flew back, and the doors & gates opened out. The three monks walked right into the castle. Amazed by so obvious a miracle, king Brude, then gave ear to Colum Cille with reverence. From this exceptional encounter the Pictish King Brude was baptized. His people soon followed his example of baptism, and thus Christianity took sway over the whole of Caledonia. The Druids lost their status in the Highlands.

Tradition tells us that St. Colum Cille occupied frequently within an hour, his studies, his prayers, and the likes. He was regularly engaged in transcribing, even upon the  eve of his death. Colum Cille was a prolific transcriber and it is believed he wrote 300 books, two of which are extant; “The Book of Durrow” and the psalter called “The Cathach”. This psalter enclosed in a shrine, was once upon a time carried into battle by the O’Donnells as a pledge of victory.

St. Colum Cille was conscious of his death looming, in the spring of 597. By Saturday, 8 June, he climbed up the hill on Iona, overlooking his monastery, giving it his final blessing. He was to make himself present for vespers, and after the prayers, the monastic bell summoned the community for a midnight service. Colum Cille forestalled his monks, deciding to enter the church without assistance. As he made his way to the altar, the aging Abbot sank down, breathing forth his last, by now surrounded by his disciples. This happened between the 8th and 9th of June, 597. He died in his monastery in Iona, Scotland. The relics of St. Colum Cille were carried back to Ireland and deposited in the church of Downpatrick in Ireland. He is now buried there together with the two other national patrons of Ireland, St. Patrick. and St. Brigid.

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St. Colman the Lagan Man, who never lagged far behind – 7 June

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This saint is also know as St. Colman of Dromore

Droim Mór, means large ridge, and today Dromore is a small market town in County Down. It was to become an important centre in the days when St. Colman came of age.

St. Colman was born around 450 A.D. He was venerated from early times in Scotland and Ireland. He is affectionately known as Mocholmoc, or Mocholmog which is three words in one, meaning my young Colum; Mo = My, Cholm = Colum / Colman, and og or oc = young or little. The Life of Saint Colman of Dromore preserved in the Codex Salmanticensis. From this, we learn the traditions. They tell us that St. Colman of Dromore was born in the ancient Dalriada Kingdom, which extended from the Antrim Coasts, up into the western Isles of Scotland.

Tradition also tells us that St. Colman was baptized by his uncle, a bishop bearing the same name. The story fascinates, as the Almighty God caused a fountain to burst forth from the earth, and with such fountain, the young Colman was baptized. After this miracle inspired baptism, his parents sent him to be instructed by St. Caylan, abbot over Nendrum on Mahee Island in Strangford Lough. Mahee is interchangeable with Mochay, a term of endearment to master Caylan. Mochay is also known as Coelan or Caetan. The young Colman received the rudiments of literature, and practical lessons for a devout life. He grew capable of learning by perfect memory. One day his spiritual director told him, to remove a certain rock impeding the progress of the monks, when reciting their Matins. Colman miraculously removed this rock, by making a sign of the cross.

After excelling in his studies under Caylan, Colman then studied under St. Ailbe of Emly in south Tipperary. He studied with Ailbe to perfect his knowledge of the Scriptures, staying some years in Tipperary. He returned to Nendrum and acted for some time as assistant to Mochay at his school.

Colman would finally seek advice about his future religious life from his friend, Aengus MacNissi (Macanisius). Aengus had been baptised by Patrick and founded the church of Connor. He advised Colman thus… “It is the will of God that you erect a monastery within the bounds of Coba plain”. The Coba plain lies within the Lagan valley, passing through Dromore. Acting on this advice, Colman established his community by a river, called Locha, now known as the Lagan which passes through Dromore. His most notable pupil was St. Finnian of Moville who went on to establish a monastery at Maigh Bhille (“plain of the ancient tree”) or Movilla on Strangford Lough.

A remarkable account of St. Colman is written, when one time he preached to a great multitude, in the woods, when some importunate bards began to demand of him a gift. Colman replied: “At present, I have nothing to give you, but God’s word.” But they were not happy, and one told Colman to, “Keep the word of God for yourself, and give us something else.” Colman reacted saying, “You foolishly reject the best and select the worst of gifts.” But they urged him all the more to work miracles for them. God’s power was made manifest on those insolent bards. The earth suddenly  swallowed them up, and that was the end of that.

Colman’s feast is celebrated 7 June. His monastery along the Lagan River later became diocese of Dromore, and Colman is today the patron of that diocese.

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Jarlath, disciple of Benignus, disciple of Patrick

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St. Jarlath of Tuam (Iarlaithe mac Loga)

Jarleth was the son Loga, son of Dana, of the Conmaicne clan. Jarlath’s mother was Mongfinn daughter of Ciardubán of the Cenél Chinnenn clann. These parents Recognized Jarlath’s spiritual potential, sending him to be educated under St. Enda of Arran about 495 A.D. Jarlath grew in holiness and understanding and later went to study under Benignus, a disciple of St. Patrick, in Kilbannon. Benignus was also baptized by St. Patrick, and grew up to became coadjutor in the See of Armagh.

Jarlath Moved out from Kilbannon and founded a monastery at Cluain Fois (Cloonfush), (meadow of the respite), near Tuam. This monastery attracted scholars from all parts of Ireland. Two notable pupils were, St. Brendan of Ardfert, and St. Colman of Cloyne. The “Felire” of Aengus says that Jarath was a man of ascetics, noted for his fasting, watching, and mortification. Three hundred times by day and three hundred times by night did this saint bend the knee in prayer. St. Patrick prayerful influence continued through St. Jarlath, who was also endowed with the gift of prophecy.

An aging Jarlath received a spiritual prompting, not to remain in Cloonfush. It was recommended that Jarlath “sit in his wagon” and the location where the wagon wheels break will “mark the spot of his resurrection…”. And so, in the 6th century Jarlath travelled a short distance and arrived at a place, where the wheel fell off the wagon. He interpreted this to be a divine sign, and he established a monastery there on that spot. This place became known as ‘’Tuaim dá Gualann’’ which means tomb of the two shoulders. There Jarlath died, ‘full of days,’ on 26 December.

Since around Jarlath’s time, the broken wheel has been the emblem of St. Jarlath in Tuam. His feast is kept on 6th June, being the date of the translation of his relics to a church built in his honour. Its now a ruin that adjoins the cathedral of Tuam. His remains were, encased in a silver shrine inside the 13th century built church called Teampall an scrín, (temple of the shrine).

We shall conclude with a short prayer associated with our Tuam Saint. ‘’St. Jarlath of Cloonfush and Tuam, we pray to you for inspiration and enthusiasm, for a sense of adventure and mission, to spread the Gospel and live the faith. When the spokes close to the hub needs repairs, when the chariot wheel falls off, keep us on track, on the right road, as we continue our pilgrim journey, through your intercession and prayer’’. NB* – Prayer taken from a short video created in 2022, on St. Jarlath given by bishop Fintan Monaghan of Killaloe diocese.

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Comely Kevin of Glendalough… What?!

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Kevin is the first person in history to carry such a name. He was also the fulfilment of the prophecy of St. Patrick. For Kevin was foretold by Patrick to come to evangelize the region south of Dublin. He was canonised informally by Cultus confirmation in the beginning of the twentieth century.

Now Kevin was born around 498 of good looking parents judging by their names. So to draw a parallel, Jesus and His parents Joseph & Mary were known as the Holy family, while Kevin and his parents were in a phrase, ”the comely family”. How do we come to such conclusion??? Is this all made up? No! Here is how we can demonstrate it, using tradition, in which we can know many things about St. Kevin. We take our sources from a transcription by Michael O’Çlery from the original Latin text which we still have today. The Codex Kilkenniensis contains three Latin Lives, and they are accounts written in the medieval period based on tradition.

The name Kevin is the anglicised version of Caoimhín, which is modern Irish derived from Coemgen which is two words like a double barrel name meaning comely generated; pulcher-genitus; or the fair-begotten. So lets deduce coem as comely and gen as generated. Tradition tells us that an angel appeared before the child was baptised and gave him the name Coemgen. Now Kevin’s father was already called Coemlug, and Kevin’s mother was called Coemell. So without known the full meaning of their names we get a glimpse that putting the three names together, they were ”a comely family”. This is an opinion, based on deduction from a foundation that offers a reasonable degree of certainty.

Tradition confirms that Kevin was considered handsome, as it regales a story about him in formation to be a priest. At the monastery of Kilmanagh, Kevin unconsciously won the heart of a certain comely Kathleen! So the story goes that comely Kathleen saw the handsome Kevin in a field with his fellow monks working away. She was instantly infatuated by him and followed him into the woods, when he was alone. She desired his heart and yearned for his embrace. Kevin was tempted, but he threw himself into a bed of nettles. This did not deter comely Kathleen from making advances on him, so he had to resort to draconian tactics. He lit a fire from dried leaves, and flung it at her to dispel her advances. Kevin acted like an impassioned man fighting fire with fire. In the end comely Kathleen got the message and better than a perfect romance novel, she became a nun and gave her heart totally for Christ.

From the Monastery of Kilmanagh, Kevin while in formation, skived off off for a while. He loved the nature and a holy angel guided him to Glendalough and straight to a cave which was to become known as St. Kevin’s bed. He was found out later, after a straying cow came nearby and began to give quantities of milk in a miraculous way. The owner of the cow brought Kevin’s whereabouts to light and Kevin’s professors from Kilmanagh came to retrieve the lad from his solitude. His three professors were St. Eonaghan, St. Petroc of Cornwall who moved to Ireland in 492 and Kevin’s uncle, St. Eugenius.

A story from his period of formation at Kilnamanagh shows kevin as an extraordinary monk. One day Kevin forgot to prepare small fire from another large fire, in view of lighting the candles for Mass. He was told to ‘run quickly to the [source] fire to get those candles burning’. Kevin was hesitant and asked, ‘How will I carry it? You’ll carry it ‘in your bosom,’ was the reply. So Kevin went and collected the fire in a garment waist around him. Miraculously, neither his clothes nor his flesh was burned. The older monk, recognising this, full of remorse, remarked, ‘O holy youth, I see that you are full of the Holy Spirit.’

Kevin was ordained by Bishop Lugidus and following his ordination, he established his initial monastery, now lost in time & space. A most interesting tradition regarding Kevin’s next foundation is about a pet goose which belonged to King O’Toole of Glendalough. Both the king and the goose were becoming frail with time, and the goose was by now unable to fly. The King heard of Kevin’s sanctity and power, and sent for him, seeking a miracle. He wished his beloved goose to be young and agile. Kevin gave his price, namely; whatever land the goose would fly over was to be granted to Kevin. King O’Toole thought little of the price, not believing his goose would fly at all. When Kevin healed the bird, it grew firm, and flew over the entire valley of Glendalough. With such extensive lands, Kevin founded the monastery of Glendalough.

In Glendalough, Kevin initially lived an ascetical life in solitude. He lived near the upper lake, in that narrow cave called ‘St Kevin’s Bed’. In the solitude  “the branches and leaves of the trees sometimes sang sweet songs to him, and heavenly music alleviated the severity of his life.”

His ascetical life was severe… He wore wild animal skins and ate whatever food growing on the surrounding trees and plants. He slept on a stone slab with a smaller stone for a pillow. For further penance he recited the psalms standing in cold waters, which is a common penitential practice for Irish monks. One time Kevin dropped his psalm book in the lake, but it was retrieved undamaged and dry by an otter.

Kevin established a hermitage near his cave at the upper lake at Templenaskellig, and divided his time between his hermitage and a growing community of followers below at the lower lake. As an abbot he founded a monastic centre. So numerous were his disciples, that Glendalough became a veritable city. Glendalough became an episcopal see, but was later incorporated with Dublin diocese. In all seven Churches of Glendalough have for established within the monastic city. The monastery enjoys pilgrim status with plenary indulgence, and several trips to Glendalough is equivalent to one trip to Rome.

Another good story is about Kevin working in Kevin’s kitchen to help pilgrims who were hungry. He told his attendants to fill the ale jars with water and gather together the bare meat bones. Praying over the water and bones, he changed the elements to ale and meat, to everyone’s satisfaction.

St. Kevin had a special love for birds and animals. The “Acta Sanctorum” is based on an ancient manuscript contains a number of traditions. The afore mentioned otter was to be a great help mate to Kevin, bringing him fish each day. Such was the effect Kevin had on nature. For the animals were without fear in his presence. The otter only fled much later on in life, as the community grew and one of the newer monks considered it good for game.

Before his death, Kevin remained permanently at his hermitage near the upper lough. His monks were requested not to bring him food, nor help, nor disturbance in any way. For Kevin enjoyed the company of the wild animals. One day, a wild boar, being hunted for game, cowered its way towards Kevin, in the woods. The hunting dogs and their masters where in hot pursuit. The hounds lay down on seeing St. Kevin, and ceased to go after the boar. The hunters willed to kill the boar, but for a flock of birds settling in the tree above the praying saint. They took this as a sign from God, and left saint and beast alone.

St. Kevin died in his hermitage soon after. The Annals of Ulster mention the year of his death as 618. That’s 120 years of life granted to the Irish Saint.

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The United States of St. Brendan the navigator; forerunner to Columbus – 16th May

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St. Brendan of Ardfert and Clonfert, is also dubbed Brendan the Voyager. He was born in Ciarraighe Luachra, near Tralee, in the south west of Ireland, in 484. His parents were Finnlug and Cara. He was baptized at Tobar na Molt holy well, near Ardfert, by Bishop Erc of Slane. He was catechised by St. Ita of Killeedy in Limerick, who ran a boarding school for future clerics. After this, Brendan studied under Bishop Erc, mastering the scriptures. St. Brendan was also disciple of St. Enda of Inishmore. He was further tutored by an angel who gave him the rule of St. Brendan. It was around this time he became ordained a priest in 512 by bishop Erc. Brendan developled an ascetic hermitage style of life. Between the years 512 and 530 he built monastic cells at Ardfert, and at Shanakeel or Baalynevinoorach, at the foot of Brandon Hill.

At Brandon Hill, Brendan first lived the life of hermit by the coast, but soon a religious community formed around him, living under his rule. They would be a band of brothers becoming familiar with the sea, its weather patterns, and became accustomed to the frequent sun sets. From contemplating these patterns, Brendan decided to build a boat, in the Irish fashion of that time. It was a coracle with wooden frame and animal skin stretched over it. Tradition tells us he set sail with many monks. There is a Latin version of his sea voyage that speaks of one boat and eighteen monks. The oldest account of Brendan’s voyage is found in Latin, “Navigatio Sancti Brendani”. He set sail in search of Paradise with a company of monks. Additionally, the old Irish Calendars assigned a special feast for the “Egressio familiae S. Brendani”, on 22 March. We also learn from the book of Lismore that Brendan set sail with others on the 22nd of March. This has been translated into French, English, German and Dutch. From the Latin version, “Navigatio Sancti Brendani”, Christopher Columbus was encouraged that there might just be something out there worth investigating.

These accounts recount the adventures. For example; during the seven year sea voyage, the monks witnessed the sea at its best as well as times when it might threaten to swallow them up. They would witness the many large sea creatures showing their presence. It was a strange & frightful world for the monks to witness. The monks were also tested along their ocean voyage. One particular test was a time, they landed on this strange island somewhere in the Atlantic, but St. Brendan remained on the boat. He had an inkling there was something not quite right. The monks got out of the boat looking to lit a fire to cook food on the island. They lit a small fire and then they felt a sudden earth quake. It turned out they landed on the top of Jessconius the largest of the ocean fish. When Jessconius suddenly began submerging, the monks found themselves swimming back quickly to the boat. Brendan remained calm as his monks made it back to safety. It was there he was able to explain what exactly happened when they lit the fire.

Whenever the monks were afraid, Brendan would encourage them with spiritual advice. He told them not to be afraid of the large sea creatures, as our life span is in the hands of God. Brendan would celebrate Mass on the boat, and the sea creatures would circle the boat as if to participate in some way at the Mass. In this way Brendan demonstrated the power of God over His creatures.

After a long voyage that lasted seven years they reached the “Terra Repromissionis”, or the promised land, a most beautiful land with luxuriant vegetation. Through St. Brendan’s ocean voyage, many scholars claim for the Irish the glory of discovering America; namely, MacCarthy, Rafn, Beamish, O’Hanlon, Beauvois, Gafarel, etc. They rest there claim on the account of the Northmen who found a region south of Vinland and the Chesapeake Bay called “Hvitramamaland” (Land of the White Men) or “Irland ed mikla” (Greater Ireland), and on the tradition of the Shawano (Shawnee) Indians that in earlier times Florida was inhabited by a white tribe which had iron implements.

In the 70s, Tim Severin and a team of explorers built themselves a replica of the Irish currach, and sailed across the Atlantic to Newfoundland from the Irish coast, making several stops en route. They proved the plausibility that St. Brendan could have done the same! Additionally, during their voyage Severin’s crew identified some “mystical” objects described in the accounts in Brendan’s voyage; such as “the island of sheep”, “the crystal towers” (glaciers and icebergs on the northern islands), “the mountains that hurled rocks” (volcanoes in Iceland), “sea monsters” (whales, porpoises and probably walruses).

The moral of the story… Today we celebrate the Stars & Strips of St. Brendan!

Brendan died at Enachduin, (Annaghdown) in 577. St. Brendan was interred in Clonfert, and his feast is kept on 16 May.

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The Irish St Carthage (or Mochuda) – 15th May

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Carthage (affectionately known as Mochuda) was born near Castlemaine 564. He was Kerryman and a swineherd. He was herding his father’s pigs in the fields, and by providence he saw passing a religious procession, with a bishop and clergy chanting psalms.  Carthage was so moved at the sight that he ran to tell his father of the wonderful spectacle. Now his father had plans that Carthage become a warrior, but with time, and after some opposition, his father relented. His son became a monk instead in a nearby monastery.

The young Carthage became a disciple of St. Carthage the Elder. The lad earned his knick name, Mochuda and did his religious profession at age twenty, in 584; he was ordained priest and founded the monastery of Kiltullagh in Kerry around 590-592. Mochuda was very handsome, and young women were swooning at the sight of him. But the clever chap used his charms, persuading them to devote themselves to God as virgins. He built them cells around his monastery.  

Mochuda eventually had to leave Kiltullagh, and visited other monasteries, staying with St. Comgall at Bangor for a year. He also visited Colman Elo at Lynally in Offaly, on whose advice in 590 he established his second monastery at Rahan near Lynally. The Rahan enterprise was a great challenge for Mochuda even though it thrived for forty years. His austerity was so severe, that his disciples felt unable to match his virtues, instead they sought to rid themselves of their master. Mochuda’s enterprise came to an end at the order of the High King Blathmac, based in Tara.

The Irish Abbot lived by the Roman Easter calendar as opposed to the more common Celtic calendar of that era in Ireland. At around Easter time in 635, Mochuda and his community were constrained to move on by the high king’s soldiers. But their expulsion from Rahan, led to a newer foundation at Lismore. You see… they Journeyed by Saighir, Roscrea, Cashel, and Ardfinnan. Finally Mochuda arrived at the banks of the River Blackwater. He obtained permission to build a monastery from the king of the Déisí at Lismore (Lios-mór) in Co. Waterford. The name Lismore means the “Big Ring-Fort. Mochuda died a short time later on his arrive to Lismore, dying on the 14th May 637.

St. Mochuda’s legacy is that of a very austere & ascetic life. The Saint refused at first to acquire even an ox or plough. The tillage had to be done by hand & shovel strength. His monastery was to become a famous abbey and later became a diocese. At Lismore, besides establishing a thriving abbey, Mochuda had a scriptorium that produced three important manuscripts of works on scripture, asceticism and morals. Lismore monastery had a school of metalwork, where artefacts like the famous Lismore Crozier were artificed. The Crozier and the Book of Lismore were found concealed in the walls of the Lismore Castle in the nineteenth century. The present day castle replaced the monastic buildings.

A biography on the life of St Mochuda is still extant and there are many fragments of a Rule of St Carthage. This large diocese was joined with the smaller Waterford city diocese in 1363. Mochuda is remembered by the church on the 15th May.

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St. Comgall; founder of the Bangor monastery, Co. Down – 10th May

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Comgall was born between 510 and 520 A.D in Ireland’s Dal Riada district along the north-east of Co. Antrim. He was the son of Sedna, a soldier and Comgall followed his father’s footsteps for a while. He soon changed direction, embracing the Christian life, and trained as a monk with St. Fintan at Clonenagh in Co Laois. Comgall received training from other spiritual gurus as well. For example, he studied with St. Finian at Clonard, and with St.  Ciarán at Clonmacnois, who died in 549. He was also influenced by St, Brendan, and St. Finnian of Moville. Finally, Comgall was ordained a priest by an influential Bishop Lugidius of Clonmacnois. From there he went from strength to strength…

St. Comgall began living an austere life on an island in Lough Erne, with a band of brothers. In 552 he founded the famous monastery with his band on brothers at Bangor, Co Down. The monastic life was rigorous and demanding, fostering strong bonds of brotherhood.  Bangor became the largest monastic centre in Ireland a population of 3,000 or more. Comgall had many notable students and visitors. For example, he taught St. Lua and St. Columban. His close disciple, St. Columban, went on to become a senior lecturer at Bangor monastery, before setting out with his twelve disciples from Bangor on ‘’peregrinatio pro Christo’’. Comgall was also afforded visits from royalty. According to historian Alfred Webb, the King Cormac of Hy Kinsellagh, retired to the monastery at Bangor in his old age.

Comgall combined the austerity of St. Fintan with the academic focus of St. Finian. Comgall’s ascetic Rule for his monks; “Love Christ and hate wealth” was the essence of their practice. Comgall lived by this rule, eating just one meal a day. Another element to Comgall’s teaching was his council to have an ‘’anamchara’’ or spiritual director.

After about eight years from the establishment of the Bangor monastery, Comgall went to Scotland and visited the Pictish King Bruide of Inverness with Colmcille and Canice. Comgall founded a monastery on the island of Tiree in Scotland, which suffered attack by the Picts in 564.

With St. Comgall, you would have either a blessing or a curse. For example, when some thieves stole the monastery’s vegetables, and they became blind. But with one repentant thief, he healed his blindness. Comgall is also said to have spat into a beggar’s pocket, where a gold ring suddenly appeared. Then there was the case of the stingy farmer who snubbed the monks plea to have some grain, and this denied grain was later devoured by mice.

Towards the end of his life, after intense suffering Comgall received the Eucharist from St. Fiacra and expired in the monastery at Bangor. Comgall’s death occurred in 602 according to the “Annals of Tighernach” and “Chronicon Scotorum”. His relics remained in Bangor until 822, when they were scattered by Viking raiders. His memory is celebrated by the church on the 10th of May.

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Posted in Irish church history

St. Conleth the patron of Kildare – 4th May

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Image taken from St. Conleth’s College

Material distilled from Catholicireland.net / Celtic and Old English Saints / Omnium Sanctorum Hiberniae

Regarding Conleth, the Martyrology of Donegal tells us that Roincenn was his original name, and that he descended from the line of King Laeghaire Lore, son of Ugaine Mór. Conleth was a man of extraordinary sanctity, and gifted with a prophetic spirit. 

He was considered among the three illustrious artisans of Ireland, along with Tassach of Elphin, and Daigh. Conleth, was the principle of the Kildare college of metal-work and penmanship. He is also considered sculptor of the crosier of Saint Finbar of Termon Barry of Termon Barry in Connaught, held today in the Royal Irish Academy. Under Conleth, his community of monks excelled in creating beautiful chalices and other liturgical objects for the church, as well as copying missals, gospels, and psalters.

Conleth lived as a hermit at Old Connell along the river Liffey, near Newbridge in Kildare. One day, Conleth visited St. Brigid and her nuns in nearby Kildare, and they ended up working as missionaries together, attracting many followers. St. Brigid was very influential and recommended the appointment of Conleth as bishop and great deference was paid to her wishes. The Abbot Conleth was consecrated the first Bishop of Kildare about 490.

After some twenty years as bishop, the reverend Conleth began a journey to Rome, with a view to returning with vestments for his church at Kildare.  He travelled against the wishes of his missionary helper St. Brigid. He died tragically early on his journey in the Irish woods, being attacked by wolves, on 3 May, 519.

Much of what we know of Conleth is taken from Cogitosus’s Life of Brigid (c. 650). Conleth’s feast day is celebrated on the 4th May.

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St. Asicus, Bishop of the Bright Rock diocese, Elphin – April 27th

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St. Asicus, also called Ascicus as well as Tassach, is the patron saint of the Diocese of Elphin. He is also the patron saint of coppersmiths. Asicus was one of the earliest of St. Patrick’s disciples. St. Patrick came to Elphin in 435 where he founded the monastery on lands given by the noble druid Ona (or Ono) in County Roscommon. Later, on Patrick’s missionary tour of Connacht, circa. 450 AD, he appointed Asicus as the first bishop of a newly created Elphin diocese.

In the “Tripartite Life of St Patrick” (ed. Whitley Stokes) we read:

“Bishop St. Assicus was Patrick's coppersmith, and made altars and square bookcases. Besides, he made our saint's patens in honour of Bishop Patrick…”

St. Asicus is described in the Book of Armagh as a wright which signifies a maker or builder. Other than altars, patens, and metal book-covers, he also made chalices for the newly founded churches. St. Asicus is always portrayed as both a craftsman and a bishop. He preached the word of God through his craft.

He was later made Abbot of Ireland. St. Asicus was a humble man and often troubled by thoughts unworthy of his office. He left Roscommon and travelled to Rathlin O’Birne Island in Donegal Bay where he resigned his office and became a hermit, living for a while at the top of Sliabh Liag along the area called The Pilgrim’s Way. 

He remained there for seven years until he was found by the monks of Elphin who persuaded him to return to the diocese with them.  However, he was not in good health and died on the journey back to Elphin (circa. 490 AD).  He is buried where he died – near the village of Ballintra between Ballyshannon and Donegal Town.

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Elphin itself is an anglicisation of two Irish words “Aill Fion” meaning “Bright Rock”.

In 1111 AD the synod of Rath Breasail re-established the structures of the Irish Church to conform with the diocesan structure of the Church in Europe. Elphin was re-designated diocesan status lost after the viking and Danish invasions. The first Cathedral of Elphin was dedicated to Beatae Mariae Virgini (Blessed Mary the Virgin), hinting at a heritage of Marian devotion dating back from the time of St. Patrick.

The presence diocese’s cathedral, dedicated to the ”Immaculate Conception” is based in Sligo town. St. Asicus’ feast is celebrated 27th April, and is recorded in the “Martyrology of Tallaght” under that date.

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